2008 Bald Eagle Commem Design Released

Last week the US Mintannounced the release of the designs for the 2008 American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin. These commemorative coins are authorized under Public Law 108-486 [GPO: text/pdf], the American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Act, that authorizes the Mint to issue gold, silver proof, and uncirculated commemorative coins in honor of the recovery of the Bald Eagle species, the 35th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Bald Eagle’s importance as a national symbol.

According to the Mint:

The obverse of the $5 gold coin was designed by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Sculptor Phebe Hemphill. The design depicts young eaglets perched on a branch in their natural habitat. The coin’s reverse, sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, depicts an image of the current Great Seal of the United States as engraved in 1903.

The obverse of the $1 silver coin, designed by AIP Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, depicts a mature eagle soaring majestically through the sky. The coin’s reverse, sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Sculptor Jim Licaretz, is based on a replica of the first Great Seal of the United States used between 1782 and 1841.

The obverse of the half-dollar clad coin, designed by Susan Gamble and executed by United States Mint Medallic Sculptor Joseph Menna, depicts baby eaglets at about two to three days old, settled in a nest with an unhatched egg. AIP Associate Designer Donna Weaver designed the coin’s obverse, which features the legendary Bald Eagle “Challenger” with the American flag in the background. The design was executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers.